Sky Sports to stream midweek EFL matches from 2019

In terms of the sheer number of matches on TV, armchair football fans have never had it so good.

And in a couple of years’ time it’s about to get even better, as midweek matches from the Championship will be streamed live by Sky from the 2019/20 season.

A new deal between Sky and the EFL means 183 games will be broadcast each season from the Championship, Leagues One and Two, the Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy.

A further 80 midweek Championship matches will be able to be streamed on Sky’s digital platforms.

Midweek matches not being shown live on Sky Sports will also be available for clubs to stream on their own websites.

The deal, which runs until 2024, is worth £600m and represents a 36% year-on-year increase on the current agreement.

Barney Francis, Sky Sports’ managing director, said: “This is great news for EFL fans and our viewers, with more live games than ever before and more opportunities for fans to watch their teams live.

“With a new dedicated football channel, newly enhanced digital platforms, adding more games means Sky Sports is getting even better for football fans.

“Viewing of live EFL games grew by 12% year-on-year last season, and is up a further 7% so far this season. Fans value our live EFL coverage and we are delighted to be able to offer even more in the coming years.”

'Revolutionary'

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey called the opportunity for clubs to live-stream their matches a “revolutionary and exciting step” for broadcasting rights in the UK.

He also said a “significant increase in value” for EFL clubs had been achieved despite negotiations coming at a challenging time in the sale and acquisition of sports rights.

“In agreeing a deal over five seasons, it delivers a guaranteed increase in the level of income distributed to EFL Clubs from 2019/20 and long-term financial certainty was an absolute priority throughout this process.

“It is a partnership that as well as having mutual tangible benefits, allows the EFL to maximise reach and exposure for its competitions, alongside providing further opportunities for Clubs to generate additional incremental revenues.”

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